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  • 8/10/2019 Comments Against Baker Dairy to MPCA

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    -----Original Message-----

    From: Nathan Anderson [mailto:[email protected]]

    Sent: Monday, June 23, 2014 11:02 PM

    To: Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)

    Subject: Riverview Dairy

    Dear Sir,

    I would like to voice my concerns about the proposed dairy in Baker Township from Riverview Dairy. I am very

    concerned about the groundwater supply. The West River Dairy already draws a huge amount of water from the same

    aquifer. We are blessed in this area to have a good water supply, but we don't need to tax it anymore. I know they have

    a back up plan of using water rights that the ethanol plant (Denco II) had lined up. But, what happens when the ethanol

    plant wants to expand? Where will we all get our water?

    Another concern is the run off of manure. The barn itself is very close to a local lake. Also, they will be spreading/

    knifing in manure close to wetland areas.

    Yet another concern is the county roads. The milk trucks have been beating up our county tar roads. Also, add in the

    silage and haylage trucks and it's a lot of truck traffic.

    So, I would like you to do an Environmental Impact Study to decide if our area can handle this new dairy. Riverview

    already has three dairy operations, and at least three feedlots in this county. My thoughts are that this area can't handl

    another dairy operation.

    Thanks for listening.

    Nathan D. Anderson

    PO Box 316Chokio, MN 56221

    (320) 287-0132

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:Bill Kleindl [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Tuesday, June 24, 2014 11:08 AMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Cc:!Commissioners; Ace Sperr; Keith Marty ([email protected]); Ken Rausch ([email protected]);[email protected];Phil GausmanHome; Rob Kopel ([email protected])Subject:Baker Dairy EAW Comment Letter

    Hi Chuck,

    Attached is a comment letter in regard to the Baker Dairy EAW. Please confirm you received. I will also be

    mailing a hard copy today.

    Let me know of any questions.

    Bill KleindlEnvironmental Services/Planning & Zoning Director

    400 Colorado AvenueSuite 306

    Morris, MN 56267(320)208-6558

    [email protected]

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.co.stevens.mn.us/%23_blankhttp://www.co.stevens.mn.us/%23_blankhttp://www.co.stevens.mn.us/%23_blankmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:Scott & Jenell Staples [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Tuesday, June 24, 2014 12:57 PMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Subject:probabilty of Baker 30 Dairy

    Dear Mr. Peterson,

    We are writing concerning the proposed Baker Township Dairy which will be located near our farm in Stevens

    County, rural Morris, here in Minnesota. We have many concerns, and would like you to know some of them

    before the dairy is allowed to be built.

    First, we are asking why, if the water that can be produced at the actual location of the proposed dairy is

    either insufficient or of poor quality, the owners can be allowed to tap into water from somewhere else. It is

    our understanding, that water may be piped from a neighboring township, or from a main leading from the

    city of Morris. This was not brought up in the original permit, and should it not have to be re-permitted? Also

    the ramifications of using water from an alternate source needs to be addressed. We do not care to have our

    wells and aquafors depleted through no fault of our own. In our opinion, if water availability is an issue for thedairy, the project needs to be re-thought or moved to another location,

    When the existing dairy, Riverview West was proposed awhile ago, we were promised these dairies would

    have no effect on our quality of life here in West Central MN. We live here because we enjoy clean air, quiet,

    and little traffic. We can assure you, this longer the case. Our roads have greatly suffered from the

    equipment and semi trucks needed to move the silage to the dairy. We have a lot of dust. Their drivers dont

    always obey traffic signs, it can be dangerous out here. There is a lot of odor, at times we cant sit

    outdoors. Our life has change, and not for the better.

    We also know the owners of the proposed dairy need to sell their manure to other landowners to get rid ofit. Do they have enough permission slips, in writing, to address this problem? These are issues that need

    attention before ground is broken. In addition, the value of our farm-sites and land becomes an issue for

    anyone not connected to this dairy, as we dont feel anyone would want to live too close to a smelly dairy

    barn. These concerns are not only in the here and now, but will potentially affect our lives for many years,

    and our future generations.

    Thank you for the opportunity to let you know our concerns. Please do the right thing.

    Sincerely,

    Scott and Jenell Staples

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:The Ericksons [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Tuesday, June 24, 2014 7:44 PMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)

    Subject:Comments on proposed Baker Dairy site. (EAW)

    Dear Mr. Peterson,

    My name is Dean Erickson and my family and I live less than one mile South of the proposed Baker Dairy site. We, as afamily and community, have many concerns about Baker Dairy.

    The location is too close to the existing West River Dairy. How many animal units can one part of a county providefor? The amount of water, traffic and odor from these barns will be devastating to our already shrinking population. Thedairy needs 6300 acres for manure application, it has only 3060 acres to use. Shouldn't they have to have all of the acresneeded under contract before a permit is issued? When they were permitted for West River Dairy they gave a list of acresthey were going to use to put manure on and some of those acres have never had an application of manure yet. Who

    oversees this process?

    The amount of water they would need started at 98,000,000 gallons per year and then it increased to 135,000,000, whichis split 60,000,000 West River Dairy wells and 75,000,000 Baker Dairy wells. Looking at the information provided by themthis will make an already bad situation worse. If by 2030 the water they are using now is going to be at critical levels andyou add 9,000 more cows, how fast will it fall to critical levels? In their report they have a well inventory list and the twoclosest wells to the new dairy, our well and Keith Anderson's well, are not listed at all. I would ask that a draw down testbe done on all wells on that inventory list and include our well and Keith Anderson's well also.

    In this report they say there are 4.8 acres of wetlands and I think it is more than that. I have sent 3 short videos, inseperate emails, showing wet areas of the South and West boundaries of the proposed dairy site. In the report they saythey are working on wetlands delineated and I would ask that this be done before any permits are granted.

    The odor that 9,000 cows give off is something you need to experience first hand. While I am sure that the models usedare good at telling you what should happen, I can tell you first hand they are not very accurate. We live 5 1/2 miles Westof West River Dairy and when the wind is from the East we can smell it without any problem. I have talked to people wholive in every direction from West River Dairy and they say it is the f irst thing they smell in the morning and the last thingthey smell at night. One family said they get into their car, in their garage, and turn on the air conditioner and the smellcomes right out at them! I don't believe that is a faint odor and even a faint odor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, isnot healthy and people should not be subjected to this. The fly problem is a very real problem and families that livearound West River Dairy will tell you that also.

    The traffic from the existing dairy has already caused County Road 8 to start to fail. They list that Baker Dairy will need56 trucks for milk each week and 28 trucks for feed each week that is 4368 trucks per year just to keep the dairyworking. This is a small number compared to what it will take during harvest and construction. I think just for harvest itwill take 160 trucks per 160 acres. I estimate they will need around 10,000 acres to feed and bed these cows, adding

    another 10,000 trucks per year using County Road 8 and the surrounding township roads. County Road 8 was scheduledto be resurfaced in 2016, since I have been talking to people about this I have learned that it has been pushed backto 2021. If this dairy is allowed to happen they might just as well let it go back to a gravel road because that is all that willbe left by 2021. The township roads they use to get the hay off starting in early June and sileage off thru September are

    sometimes unpassable to regular traffic due to ruts and heavy dust. They are an accident waiting to happen!

    These are the concerns we have about the information in the EAW. Since this has started we have learned they aregoing to get their water from another source and if this is true then will another EAW need to be filed so myself and myneighbors will have the opportunity to voice our concerns about how they will get the water to the new dairy and what typeof problems it could cause the people of this area?

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    In closing, this proposed dairy is not good for our environment, schools, businesses, churches and our community ingeneral. I have been told by two families in our neighborhood that they will be moving away if this dairy is allowed tohappen. We would ask you to deny this permit, or at the very least take another step forward and ask them to do anEnvironmental Impact Statement (EIS). I have two children who would like to farm and because of these dairies their

    chances of farming are getting less every day.

    Thank you.

    The Erickson's;Dean Erickson, Stevens Township Board MemberJeri Erickson

    Alex EricksonChandler Erickson

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    -----Original Message-----

    From: Jason DeVita [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 9:37 PM

    To: Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)

    Subject: Baker Dairy EAW Comments and Questions

    Mr. Charles Peterson,

    We, as a community from several townships, had a meeting to discuss the proposed Baker Dairy in BakerTownship, Stevens County. I have several concerns and questions with allowing a new dairy to be started in this

    area.

    My first concern is traffic and wear on the road. Section 9(A) of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet

    stated Stevens County road 8 is slated for improvements in 2016. County Commissioner Ron Staples informed

    us that the date for improvements is 2019 and they are talking about moving it another two years to 2021 due to

    county budget concerns. The increased heavy traffic will bring the condition of that road down well before the

    scheduled improvements.

    Secondly, section 4(A) states they will be drilling two wells, one on site that will allow for 75,000,000 gallons.What is the guarantee that the water is available and will not be running the aquifer dry for the neighbors in the

    area? If also states they will be taking 60,000,000 gallons from a new well at the existing dairy in Synnes

    Township. County Commissioner Staples informed us that after this EAW was submitted the Baker Dairybought water rights from yet a third well further out in the county. Unfortunately I can't remember the exact

    location of the third well. The question to that is if these wells and water sources are changing, and the road

    repairs/improvements mentioned above are not correct, why is a new EAW required to be submitted and a new

    public notice period allocated?

    Thirdly, manure application and storage. My first question is how will they remove all the manure? It statedthey will pump and inject some after the fall harvest and they will have verbal agreements with neighboringfarms. What is the guarantee they will have enough people interested to take the remaining manure, and if

    neighboring farms are not taking the remaining manure what will be done with it?

    Lastly, I have a great concern about the odor from the dairy. Their existing dairies, even with the modern

    methods they have, puts off odors for tens of miles with the wind, more so and stronger when applying manure.

    This will impact the quality of life for many people in the area, not only the few listed within one mile on themap in the report. I understand, and agree with not hearing complaints about something with smells, noise, etc.

    if someone moves into an area where there is an existing commercial farm, airport, industry, etc. however I

    moved to this area 14 years ago to get away from those nuisances and in talking to neighbors they enjoy this

    area for the same reasons.

    What is the reasoning to allow another nuisance and resource draining site into another area that doesn't

    currently have these issues? I ask that this proposed plan be denied and not allowed to continue. If, however, itis not denied, at the least I ask that an Environmental Impact Study be required.

    RespectfullyJason DeVita

    Clerk, Stevens Township, Stevens County

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    -----Original Message-----

    From: Karen De Vita [mailto:[email protected]]

    Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 9:38 PM

    To: Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)

    Subject: Baker Dairy, Stevens County

    Mr. Peterson -

    After attending a meeting concerning this dairy and reading the information on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

    web site, I firmly believe that an Environmental Impact Statement must be completed. It seems logical that an EIS

    should be ordered for projects that have the potential for significant environmental effects.

    My first concern is odor. Nothing in this report convinces me that this will not be a problem. Do we, as property

    owners of long-standing, want to schedule summer activities at our home only to find it unbearable to be outdoors?

    Another concern is water usage. And it concerns me that Currently the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is determining

    what government body has jurisdiction (federal, state or local. How certain are we that one million gallons per year of

    water usage will allow sustainability. The report also states that new regulations require the DNR to provide preliminary

    assessment of a proposed well and a water use permit is required. Has that been done?

    You state that County Road 8 is slated for improvements in 2016. It is my understanding that this date has been put

    back to at least 2020.

    Thank you for your consideration of these statements.

    Karen DeVita

    Treasurer, Stevens Township

    Stevens County

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:Jake Marty [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Wednesday, June 25, 2014 6:11 AMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Subject:Baker Dairy EAW

    I am writing to you about the proposed Baker Dairy in section 36 of Bake Township in Stevens Township. Mytwo biggest concerns are 1)ground water and 2)roads. my concerns with the ground water is two fold. First,

    will there be enough water to support an additional feedlot of this size located within approx. 6 miles from

    another large dairy, 3 nursery to finisher hog sites, a 3000 plus sow unit, and a farrow to finish hog unit. This is

    a large number of animals to add to an existing area. Also, the permit calls for 60 millions gallon of water to

    come from West River Dairy, but I understand that the water will come from another location. My

    interpretation is that would make this application invalid due to inaccurate information. If they can change

    this information mid stream, who's to say they will also to true the fact that they do not plan to expand this

    feedlot. As for the roads, when they chop silage for the other dairies in the area the roads become

    impassable. When they chop silage, the tucks cause the base of the roads to push up through the gravel. The

    roads in this area will not be able to handle the additional truck traffic that this dairy will bring. It is a safety

    concern from both the condition of the roads and from the drivers failing to follow traffic laws. Thank you forlistening to my concerns.

    Jake Marty

    Stevens Twp

    Stevens Co

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:Jon Hallman [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Wednesday, June 25, 2014 7:05 AMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Subject:Baker Dairy EAW comments

    Mr. Peterson - As a resident and Township Supervisor of Baker Township, Stevens County, I haveseveral concerns regarding the proposed "Baker Dairy."

    In viewing a copy of the EAW, I saw that Baker Dairy has applied for a groundwater appropriationspermit (#2014-0560) to remove 75,000,000 gallons of water per year from Baker Township. In 2013,I needed a new well dug at my residence in Baker Township. The well driller found only two narrowveins of water in 160 feet before contacting what he felt was bedrock. The potential water use is agreat concern to myself, as well as numerous residents of not only Baker Township, but also Scott,Stevens and Synnes Townships as all three townships are within a mile of the proposed "BakerDairy." My concerns are that we don't know how much water is truly under Baker Dairy and howremoving that much water from the environment will affect the water table and surroundinghabitat. Looking at the MN DNR website, it appears to me that there is no DNR Observation Well inBaker Township or even close enough to Baker Dairy to realistically address the concerns of currentwater levels or, more importantly, volumes close to Baker Dairy. To myself and other residents ofBaker Township, these concerns seem to signal the potential for significant environmental effects andso I feel there is a need for an EIS.

    Attachment F in the EAW (area wells within two miles of proposed dairy) appears to have two or threeomissions within the two mile radius. I believe the residents Keith Anderson, Dean Erickson and LesDeBuhr have their own wells. If this is the case, why are they not on Attachment F?

    If Baker Dairy is built, it will be the third large dairy within a 12 mile distance, putting multiple tens ofthousands of cattle in this area. I realize Riverview LLP has built and operated according to existingregulations yet is there a cumulative potential environmental effect of having this many animals andthe resultant animal waste concentrated in this area? I have been told that after three years ofoperation, Baker Dairy could expand in a limited way without revisiting the permitting process. If thisis true for Baker Dairy as well as their existing dairies, the animal and animal waste numbers are onlygoing to increase in this area.

    For all given concerns and reasons, I feel there is great need for an EIS.

    Jon Hallman

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:lorna decamp [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Wednesday, June 25, 2014 7:08 AMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Subject:Environmental Assessment Impact Statement

    Request for an Environmental Impact Statement:

    I am concerned about my well. I live about 2.5 miles from the proposed site and get my water fromthe same aquafier as the well for the proposed dairy.

    All of the additional truck traffic on county roads 8 and 13 will result in future road problems and roadwork. They are out only black top road we have to access. Hyway 28,75, and 59 will also be traveledmore. The additional trucks will amount to about 75 a week. That is not including the trucks that haulhay and corn silage, adding up to 100s of loads. Roads will be wore out in about 2 years and they arenot projected to be resurfaces until 2022.

    I am also directly southwest of the site. Northeast winds will make it nearly impossible for outdooractivities due to the odor. As far as employment opportunities go, there are none. They are hiringpeople for other parts of the country to do their work, resulting in very few job openings for localcitizens. The tax burden on local residents for their Hisspanic employees is tremendous because offood stamps and medical care. They don't send their students to our schools, their children are mostlyhome schooled, which isn't helping the school districts in the area anyways.

    If at all, this group of people are trying to drive eeryone else out of the count, please reconsider thisdecision to let them build. Doing this will make four in Stevens County. When will it be enough? Thereis already enough cows in the county so another county could be considered. They do not haveenough land for the manure it will generate.

    Again, please reconsider,

    Clark DeCamp

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:Beth Burmeister [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Wednesday, June 25, 2014 8:29 AMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Cc:[email protected]:Proposed Dairy in Baker TownshipImportance:High

    Dear Mr. Peterson,

    RE: Proposed Dairy in Baker Township

    As the chairman of Baker Township, several concerns have come to the Baker Township Boards attentionregarding the proposed dairy in Baker Township.

    Adequate water supply - We understand that the water at the proposed site is not adequate (volume and

    quality). One concern is that the dairys water use will potentially exhaust the water supply for

    adjoining land owners. We understand the dairy will be responsible for repairing neighbors wells in theevent that the aquifer is over used. What are the long-term effects on the wells for the adjoining

    property owners? Is there a time limit for repair? We have no test wells in Baker Township. We do not

    know how the water is recharged or if there is adequate water available for all landowners.

    Routing of clean water We understand that the clean water from the dairy will be routed in a tile down

    the county ditch. Will the county ditch system be adequate to handle the rain runoff from the buildingsand paved area?

    Quality of life Once the dairy is built, we anticipate that this will negatively affect property values for

    adjoining agricultural property.

    Increased traffic The township roads were not designed to handle the proposed traffic volume for

    larger and heavier vehicles. We anticipate that the tax revenue will not offset the maintenance needed.Thus, the tax levy will need to be increased. This will impact all landowners in Baker Township.

    Population decline - Several families indicated that they would leave the township if the proposed dairyis built. If the families leave the community, this will impact the Chokio school district and community.

    We respectfully request that an Environmental Impact Statement be conducted. Thank you for considering this

    request.

    Sincerely,

    Nathan Burmeister

    Chairman, Baker Township

    61804 State Hwy. 28

    Chokio, MN 56221

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    the crow flies, 1.4 miles from the sites nearest boundary. If that measurement may be used, my farm well is

    within 1 1/2 miles of the site, yet our well was not included in the application.

    4. Odor management: My farm is 1.4 miles southeast of the feedlot site and 1 mile south of land that will

    have manure placed in it. I already drive past the existing dairies and am repulsed by the odors emanating

    from the dairies, and frequently it make me nauseous. I do not want to live with that odor at my home. As

    our state and area has prevailing northwesterly winds, our farmsite and home are directly in the path of odor

    movements from the site and the manure application areas. According to the National Weather Forecast

    Service out of Watertown, SD, in the past year from July 1, 2013 to June 25, 2014, the wind direction has been

    in the north/northwest (300 to 360 degrees) 142 days out of 360. What steps are going to be taken to

    prevent our farmsite from smelling like a dairy and limiting the enjoyment of our home and yard 40% of the

    year? The West River Dairy, owned and run by the same people, puts manure into the ground at questionable

    times according to the existing permits and the odor during the application and the spillage that occurs near

    the road is horrendous. The expected enjoyment I may experience at my own home, where I have lived for 35

    years and where my husband has lived for 58 years, will be severely and negatively impacted by the odor. My

    experience with the existing dairies makes me believe that we will have many days of unpleasant odors if thisdairy is permitted. What will be the steps taken to prevent odor migration to my home for the days when the

    manure is being injected into the ground?

    5. Compliance: Has the organization that is applying for the Baker Dairy met all the requirements of their

    permits for their other dairy enterprises? I believe a history of how these dairies are operated and whether

    they are completely compliant with the regulations and the laws that apply to their operation are legitimate

    concerns. Do the dairies distribute the manure as prescribed in their permits? Are the odor management

    steps effective in protecting the equal enjoyment of their own property by the neighboring people? In the

    application, there is a significant gap in the amount of acres that are required to be committed to Baker Dairy

    for manure placement. Do the acres need to be formally committed? And who follows up to be sure that the

    manure will be distributed to the full number of acres per year?

    6. Traffic and Road Damage: I have had the existing dairy silage trucks driving past my house, on township

    roads where I have been also driving trucks and farm machinery, driving along the county highway while I am

    putting up hay in the county road ditch and been appalled at the speed and recklessness with which the

    drivers operate. The area around my farm is far more dangerous for myself, my family and neighbors, my pets

    and wildlife in the area. We farmed right across the road from the silage and haylage operations of the

    existing dairies and the township gravel roads are left rutted and with huge holes in them due to the operation

    of trucks that are going at 60+ mph on them. There is no compensation or repair of those roads by the dairies

    and the rest of the township residents are left to pay a huge share of the road repair. And the danger of

    meeting one of those trucks on a small township road is very real. I have had to drive with my right sidedwheels on a pickup in the grassy road ditch to avoid a semi truck with haylage on it coming straight at me. I

    have had to stop on my county highway on the way to work in the early a.m. when a semi truck hauling silage

    pulled out right in front of me. I barely got stopped in time. I have been frightened to death on my way to

    work when the dairy workers are walking or riding bicycles on the county highway at 4:00 a.m. in the

    dark. Calls to our County Sheriff have helped that situation. The mail in my mailbox is covered with a fine

    dust that filters into it as the trucks go through our homestead at 60+ mph. Our home and outbuilding and

    barns are on both sides of a township road. It is dangerous for my pets to be near the road when the trucks

    are driving by. The road ditches grass is covered with dust, making it impossible to use for my animals, due to

    the dusty content of the hay. Is there a plan to provide dust control on these roads so that I may continue to

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    From:Anderson, Debra, R [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Wednesday, June 25, 2014 2:56 PMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Subject:Baker Dairy

    Please see the attached letter of concern regarding the proposed Baker dairy.

    Thank you!

    Keith & Debbie Anderson27092 600

    thAve

    Chokio, MN 56221H320-324-2517C320-760-5146

    NOTICE-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION - The information in this communication is proprietary and

    strictly confidential. It is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this

    message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intendedrecipient, any dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of the information contained in this

    communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please first notify the

    sender immediately and then delete this communication from all data storage devices and destroy all hardcopies.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    From:Ruth E Anderson [mailto:[email protected]]Sent:Wednesday, June 25, 2014 4:20 PMTo:Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)Subject:Baker Dairy

    6/25/2014

    From: David C & Ruth E [email protected]

    TO: Charles Peterson

    [email protected]

    RE: Baker Dairy

    Our farm and farm home is located 1 mile west and 5 miles south of the proposed Baker Dairy. We have

    some concerns regarding the proposed Dairy. Perhaps further study is needed such as an Environmental Impact

    Statement(EIS).Our community is like many smaller, rural areas throughout the state. We are concerned for our

    neighbors and friends, especially those living closer to the proposed Baker Dairy. Concerns such as:

    WATER Where will the water for the operation and the cattle come from? The suggested aquifer

    seems inadequate; longevity is minimal. What then? How will the farm families in the areas obtain the water

    necessary for their needs? If the water source is changed, does that not necessitate a new EIS?

    WASTE MANAGEMENT Does the operation have the necessary acres required for spreading the

    waste generated by the animals? Does the entity have to name all the acres, owned by them and also by others,

    which they plan to use? Shouldn't this be secured prior to permits given, rather than a broad statement thatadequate acres are available for spreading of manure?

    Another concern with waste management: Are there certain months, days of the year when spreading of

    manure is allowed? Why is hay land counted as cultivated land? When manure is spread over fields fromwhich the hay crop has just been harvested, what is going to keep that waste from washing into the drainage

    systems?

    ODOR The EAW notes the amount of various gases in the air, adding that these amounts will be at orbelow hazardous levels. That is all well and good. What isn't measurable is how the nose detects the odor from

    the dairy itself, and the manure as it's spread. People with certain medical issues know that small fluctuations in

    the quality, content of the air they breathe affects the condition. As a chronic migraine sufferer, I know this to

    be true.

    ROADS The routes in the EAW are just proposed, or suggested, routes. We live on Co. Rd. #13. Thatis not one of the proposed routes. I never saw the EAW for the West River Dairy. It may or may not been a

    proposed route for that dairy. What we have noticed is that many, many milk trucks have been using the road

    past us, both going to and coming from the Riverview Dairies. It's interesting that, in the past few weeks, therehave been very few milk trucks on Co. Rd. #13...

    Gravel County and Township roads are severely damaged by the trucks hauling forage to feed the

    animals. This is another major concern for the landowners in the townships. They are the ones who have to

    pay for repairing the townships roads.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    QUALITY OF LIFE The quality of life will be diminished for those living with a large radius of theBaker dairy, due to the above concerns. This will also affect the value of farm sites with livable homes and

    quality buildings should a family choose to relocate in retirement.

    In summary, we believe more study, such and an Environmental Impact Statement, is needed before permittingthe Baker Dairy project.

    Respectfully David C & Ruth E Anderson

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    -----Original Message-----

    From: kurt staples [mailto:[email protected]]

    Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 4:21 PM

    To: Peterson, Charles V (MPCA)

    Subject: Riverview, LLP - Baker Dairy EAW Comments

    The two attached documents are separate comments to the Riverview LLP- Baker Dairy EAW.

    Thank you,

    Clay Staples

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    Riverview, LLP Baker Dairy EAWConcerns of the Baker Dairy EAW.

    Water- The Baker Dairy is currently being permitted for the water used to come from West River Dairy in

    Synnes Township and Baker Township. This is no longer the case and it is now coming from a private well in

    Horton Township.Manure- In the permit the dairy has stated they have 3060 acres to apply manure on. But the amount of manure

    produced every year would take 6300 acres to apply the volume produced. Where is the other 3500 acres

    coming from? Does the dairy need to have signed contracts with the other landowners?Roads- The dairy will be very hard on township roads when they are harvesting silage and hay. Also the truck

    drivers are dangerous to other people on the road, due to not obeying the rules.

    With the following concerns I believe an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is in order.Stanley Staples

    Treasurer of Synnes Township

    53697 300th St.

    Morris, MN 56267

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